Krakatau eruptions: Indonesian woman offers free stay at Jakarta home to stranded Malaysians

 

People checking the flight information boards at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. At least 467 flights were cancelled, affecting about 150,000 passengers on domestic and international flights. BERNAMA pic

KUALA LUMPUR: An Indonesian woman living in Malaysia has offered her home in Jakarta for free to Malaysians left stranded by the eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau.

The woman, identified as Maira Safiraa, said seven Malaysians have already taken shelter in her home, located about 30 minutes from the airport in Jakarta, but there was space for more.

She said three rooms were already occupied, but there was space in a fourth for anyone, particularly women.

"Please don't hesitate if you need a place to rest while waiting for the situation to return to normal. The accommodation is free... I am not asking for any payment.

"I simply feel sorry for them and am worried that they might panic while being in a foreign country, especially if their preparations or supplies have run out," she said in a post on Threads.

The continuous eruption of Mount Anak Krakatau since Friday has caused volcanic ash to spread, prompting six airports to suspend flight operations.

The disruption has also affected domestic and international flights, including routes connecting Jakarta with Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul/Incheon, Doha and Amsterdam.

Maira said the offer was made on humanitarian grounds and out of concern for Malaysians who have been forced to wait longer following the closure of the airports.

"I thought to myself, what if I or my family were in the same situation in a foreign country?

"It just so happened that the house was vacant, with only a female personal assistant there, and it has four bedrooms. So I thought it would be good to help those who need a place to stay temporarily," she said.

She said she had received word from airport authorities that flight operations were expected to be affected at least until 12.30pm tomorrow, and would continue if the volcano continues to erupt.

"Hopefully, the situation will improve soon and everyone will be able to return to Malaysia safely," she said.

Meanwhile, she said the presence of the seven Malaysians at her home in Jakarta had made the atmosphere livelier, while also providing companionship for her personal assistant.

"I'm actually happy that my home in Jakarta has become livelier with more people around. My personal assistant isn't alone either, as she now has company," she said.

Maira said she also sympathised with Indonesians who are stuck in Malaysia.

Unfortunately, she said, she could not make a similar offer to her countrymen as she lives here with husband, a baby and a domestic helper and there was no room. - NST